A man has died during a parachute incident in County Durham this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to South West Industrial Estate in Shotton, near Peterlee, following concerns for the welfare of a man.

Police were joined by colleagues from fire and ambulance but the man, in his 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A cordon is expected to remain in place for some time.

The death is being treated as unexpected and enquires are now ongoing.

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Detective Chief Inspector Mel Sutherland, who is leading the investigation said: “Officers are keen to speak to anyone who was travelling on the A19 at around 12.20pm to 12.30pm who may have mobile phone footage or dashcam footage which captures the moments leading up to the incident.

“Our thoughts remain with the man’s family at this time.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 168 of April 27.